Most Vegan Friendly Cities in the World in 2020

Updated January 2020
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Last year, rather than updating the running list of the most vegan friendly cities I’ve had for the last couple of years (and published in my book – click here to find out more about my vegan travel guide), I wanted to do something a little bit more numbers-based/technical to figure out the most vegan cities worldwide, by the numbers. You can find lists of the most vegan friendly cities in Europe and the world based on the number of vegan restaurants in the city. However, I didn’t want to determine the best vegan cities solely based on the number of vegan restaurants alone. A vegan city or vegan town should have a lot of vegan restaurants relative to their population size.

How I measured vegan friendliness

So, I decided to use a slightly different metric. I calculated the vegan restaurants per capita (that is, the number of 100% vegan restaurants listed on Happycow per 100,000 people in the city). This is, of course, not a foolproof method of measuring a city’s vegan credentials.

Some cities might have a huge number of vegetarian, but not vegan, restaurants. Or they might have a lot of restaurants with vegan options, or naturally vegan-friendly local cuisine.

Even measuring the population of a city is complicated! Wikipedia usually lists the population of the city, urban area and metropolitan area. Where possible I used the city population.

I couldn’t measure all the cities in the world, either, so I had to rely on several lists of vegan friendly cities, a list of the cities with the most vegan restaurants, and lists of the biggest and most visited cities in the world, to calculate this. However, I think this is a good starting point.

Looking at vegan restaurants per capita should give an idea of how vegan friendly a city feels. For example, a big city might have more vegan restaurants listed in total than a smaller city, but those restaurants could be really spread out, and taken per capita their number might be much lower than a smaller city. A smaller city, on the other hand, that has fewer vegan restaurants in total could have a high number per capita, which likely means more residents are vegan or there’s more demand for vegan food, making the smaller city feel more vegan friendly.

This list shows you the cities that have a high proportion of vegan restaurants in comparison to population, which also means you’re likely to see a lot of vegan restaurants just walking around.

Find out more about each city

For each city, I’ve linked to the best vegan guide I could find online, and where possible a recommended vegan-friendly or eco-friendly place to stay.

You might notice some cities you’d expect to find on a veg city list — such as NYC and LA — missing. That’s because in comparison to the population, their vegan restaurants per capita are actually lower than the other cities on this list. Yes, New York has a lot of vegan restaurants, but also a big population to match. And in comparison to its population, it just doesn’t match up to the vegan restaurants per capita in Portland, Austin or Warsaw.

London, which currently has the highest number of vegan restaurants in total for any city in the world, didn’t make it onto the list for the first time ever (it was 44th). That’s because this list is per capita, and London’s vegan restaurant scene, while extensive, hasn’t kept up with the huge population. Of course, as mentioned before, this list only takes into account vegan restaurants, and if it included restaurants with vegan options London might rank much higher (since pretty much every chain and lots of independent restaurants in London now have vegan options).

A growing list

The first year I made this list, back in 2015, I only chose 10 vegan friendly cities. After several years of huge growth in the number of vegans and vegan restaurants around the world, I couldn’t narrow it down to just 10 cities. The world is becoming more vegan-friendly than ever, and these 25 cities, some of them unexpected, prove it.

The list has shifted this year, with some cities dropping out and ten cities making the list (some for the first time!). See 2019’s list here.

2. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

19 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

As a hub for tourists and digital nomads, Ubud is very vegan-friendly. Since it’s in the tropical paradise of Bali, you can of course find tropical fruit galore, as well as a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants. Try a vegan naamlette (vegan omelette) at Sage, a vegan crepe at Earth Cafe and Market or design your own smoothie bowl at Alchemy.

3. Phuket, Thailand

13 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Picture a tropical paradise with clear blue waters and white sand beaches surrounded by mountainous cliffsides jutting into the water. You might just be picturing Phuket, pictures of which have become screensavers around the world. A mountainous island, Phuket has many of Thailand’s most popular beaches and in additional to the tropical fruits you might imagine eating on the beach, its capital Phuket City is also home to many vegan restaurants. Like Chiang Mai (see above) it also hosts the annual Vegetarian Festival. At Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival, you’ll find plenty of vegan food and, if you can stomach it, see various acts of self-mutilation and piercing in worship. Street food stalls spring up selling vegan food all around the city. If you’re not visiting during the Vegetarian Festival, head to Sai Than Boon to try their vegan ‘fried egg’ or a vegan Thai buffet such as Hesan Vegetarian or Mae Orathai.

4. Tel Aviv, Israel

8 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Israel has become massively vegan-friendly in recent years, and it’s now one of the most vegan countries in the world, boasting the highest percentage of vegans in the world. With over 400 vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, alongside a cuisine that has plenty of naturally vegan options, you’re in for a treat. Dine on Georgian-inspired food (the country, that is, not the US state) at Tenat, an all vegan Ethiopian restaurant, or order sweet potato quiche with walnut cheese at Anastasia. At Zakaim, a farm-to-table restaurant, the focus is on fresh, seasonal vegetables, and if it’s in season when you visit, try the burnt aubergine (eggplant), served with tahini and homemade challah bread. Or, take a vegan tour of the city.

6. Lisbon, Portugal

7 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

The sunny capital of Portugal, like many cities, has become much more vegan-friendly in the last few years, with many vegan restaurants opening. You can even enjoy vegan pasteis de nata (a famous egg custard tart) from Zarzuela or Princesa do Castelo while wandering the streets admiring Lisbon’s colourful architecture.

7. Brighton, UK

6 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Brighton has long held a reputation as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the UK, and with good reason! Brighton has a ton of vegan options — from 100% vegan eateries to pubs serving vegan fish and chips, you can a vegan dish almost anywhere in Brighton these days. Go for a vegan Sunday roast at Green Kitchen or a full English at Longhouse Cafe. If you’re in the mood for pizza, Purezza is a 100% vegan pizzeria; head to vegan-friendly Boho Gelato for dessert — they have some of the best vegan ice cream in town!

8. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

5 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Salt Lake City is a new addition to my list this year, and a deserving one. This mid-sized city is increasingly vegan friendly — and it might surprise you to know it has more vegan restaurants per capita than NYC or LA! Head to Vertical Diner for vegan apple-stuffed French toast, find vegan Vietnamese at All Chay or a vegan croissant at Passion Flour Croissant. You won’t be hungry here!

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

4.6 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

In December 2018, I went to Amsterdam for a friend’s wedding and stayed for a week to explore the vegan scene. I was absolutely bowled over by the food I ate there. Not only was it really easy to find vegan restaurants (I seemed to keep stumbling upon them as I explored the canals), but the attention to detail, sourcing of quality produce and careful thought about balancing flavours and textures produced some of the best food I had all year. Have the fried tempeh and avocado sushi at Caribbean-Japanese fusion restaurant TerraZen or a bowl of the house ramen at the most unique restaurant I’ve seen in awhile, the all vegan ramen restaurant Men Impossible.For a more traditional experience, try the hagelslag (traditional Dutch breakfast of sprinkles on toast–yes, it really is a popular breakfast with children and adults alike!) or the roze koek (pink cake) at Beter & Leuk, or get a cream-filled tompouce cake at Dutch Weed Burger Joint.

Where to stay: De Bedstee Hotel is a vegetarian boutique capsule hotel. Like capsule hotels, it makes use of limited space to provide well-designed and small budget sleeping areas; however De Bedstee does it in vintage Dutch style (featuring old-style Dutch beds). All food served onsite, including breakfast, is organic and vegetarian, with vegan options. Click here to check the latest prices and availability.

10. Prague, Czech Republic

4.1 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

The beautiful city of Prague appears much higher on this list than even I expected. When I visited a few years ago, it was fairly easy to eat vegan but these days, it’s extremely popular, one of the highest ranked vegan cities in Europe! Pop into Moment cafe, which was my favourite find when I was in Prague. A very vegan cafe, go there for coffee, cake and brunch/light food options such as leek tart or vegan scrambled eggs. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, find vegan lasagne at Pastva.

11. Vancouver, BC, Canada

4 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Vancouver topped the list of Canadian cities, beating out Toronto in terms of vegan restaurants per capita. There are plenty of plant-based options in Vancouver to choose from. Head to Meet on Main for vegan comfort food like burgers, fries and poutine. For a more upscale meal, Acorn vegetarian restaurant is one of the go-to places in Vancouver for fancier vegan meals, serving seasonal food using produce from local farms.

12. Bristol, UK

3.7 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Bristol has long been known in the UK for its vegan scene. It was even named vegan capital of the world in 2018 by site Chef’s Pencil! Cafe Kino is a well-known vegan cafe and workers cooperative serving up full English breakfasts and more. Or, for something a bit different, head to fully vegan Persian restaurants Koocha Mezze Bar to try gaymeh (a tomato-based lentil and aubergine stew), Persian style potatoes or a traditional Persian salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onion and pomegranate.

Find out more: Check out the extensive guide to vegan eats by area of the city on Vegan Bristol.

13. Montreal, Quebec, Canada

3.6 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Montreal surprised me the first time it appeared on my list of vegan friendly cities per capita, but then I met up with a vegan friend and former colleague who lives there. Hearing her descriptions of all the varied and inventive vegan food in the city, it doesn’t surprise me at all to find it in the top vegan cities again. Don’t miss the inventive vegan sushi at 100% vegan Sushi Momo, which gets rave reviews. Here you’ll find sushi such as Jardin hibiscus: fried avocado maki with hibiscus confit, avocado, fried leeks and maple syrup. If you have a sweet tooth, Sophie Sucree will sate your desire for baked goods with almond croissants and salted caramel cheesecake.

14. Washington, DC, USA

3.6 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

The US capital made its first appearance on this list this year. Home to a number of animal organizations, it’s also home to plenty of plant-based restaurants. Fare Well is an all-vegan diner where the Humane League hosts monthly drinks. Its sister restaurant, Sticky Fingers, is a well-known vegan bakery — head here for sticky buns, cookies and more. If you love Middle Eastern food, don’t miss Shouk, a vegan Israeli restaurant where you’ll find falafel, mushroom shawarma and more.

15. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

3.4 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Sin City makes it first appearance on this list. Vive, Las Vegas Vegan? You bet! Ronald’s Donuts is a donut place that has had vegan options for many years, including classics like glazed donuts and apple fritters. Pancho’s Vegan Tacos, as you may have guessed, is a vegan taco place with three locations (two in Vegas and one in Henderson). As well as tacos, they have enchiladas, burritos and more, with lots of vegan meat/protein choices (including mushroom, jackfruit and cactus if, like me, you’re not a fan of vegan meats).

16. Paris, France

3.4 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

France might not have a reputation as one of the most vegan friendly countries in the world, but the French capital is changing. From veggie burgers at Hank’s to healthy vegan fare at Cafe Ginger, Paris is becoming more plant-based. For a treat, brunch at Le Potager de Charlotte, where you can get a multi-course brunch menus with specialties such as a chickpea and rice pancake with cashew cream, ‘hard boiled egg’ style avocado and pancakes with chocolate hazelnut spread! If you love French pastries, then you MUST visit VG Patisserie, an all vegan traditional French pastry shop.

17. Da Nang, Vietnam

3.3 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

A coastal city between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City popular with visitors to Vietnam travelling between the two, Da Nang is also very vegan-friendly. At Roots, you’ll find healthy bowls with wakame, turmeric tofu and pickled ginger. Annen Beach cafe is a must-visit if you like banh mi for the vegan sandwich with lemongrass tofu, pesto and mushroom.

18. Glasgow, UK

3.2 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Voted by PETA as the most vegan-friendly city in the UK a few years ago, Glasgow is home to multiple vegan bars and pubs. Get a pint and vegan grub at vegan bars Mono or Stereo, a full cooked breakfast or sandwich at Soy Division. You can even get a vegan version of haggis (a very non-vegan Scottish dish) with the vegan haggis fritters, which come with chips, pea and mint puree and tartare sauce at Saramago Café.

19. Seattle, Washington, USA

3.1 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Not just a rainy city with good coffee, Seattle is also incrediby vegan-friendly. While Portland’s spot probably didn’t surprise anyone, Seattle coming out ahead of Los Angeles and New York (which didn’t even make the top 25) might come as a surprise. However, relative to population, Seattle has a lot of vegan restaurants! From classic diner food veganized at Wayward Cafe to the Instagram-ready Plum Bistro (and their most famous dish, spicy cajun mac and cheese), Seattle has vegan spots to suit everyone.

20. Warsaw, Poland

3 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Moving beyond its Soviet history, Warsaw has embraced the plant-based movement, with more than 40 completely vegan restaurants. Grab a burger at Krowarzywa, described by a reviewer on Tripadvisor as the “best burger ever” and on Youtube as “the best vegan burgers in Europe”, or feast on a vegan version of traditional Polish and Eastern European food like pierogis, blini and borscht at Vege Bistro. Treat yourself to a bottle of red after dinner at the all-vegan and organic wine shop Solvino Bio.

Where to stay: Sound Garden, a hotel near the airport, is eco-friendly and offers competitive rates. Water at the hotel is from sustainable sources including recycled rainwater and the hotel uses energy-saving technology too. All rooms have free wifi, a flatscreen TV and a bathroom with underfloor heating. Click here to check the latest prices and availability.

21. Atlanta, Georgia, USA

3 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Atlanta might not usually spring to mind when thinking of vegan travel destinations in the US, but the city ranks as one of the most vegan friendly in the US by vegan restaurants per capita. Whether you’re craving a vegan Chinese meal (head to Harmony Vegetarian), or a BBQ seitan sandwich (at Cafe Sunflower), Atlanta delivers.

22. Palma de Mallorca, Spain

2.9 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Palma tops the list for Spain, beating out the vegan scenes in Barcelona and Madrid (living in Barcelona and having written a vegan guidebook for it, I’m slightly surprised — but pleased as I plan to visit Palma!). But I have to admit I’m not wholly surprised, having heard about Palma’s vegan hotels, cooking school and shops as well as restaurants for a few years. Bon Lloc, Palma’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, opened in 1978 and is now fully vegan. Head there for tagliatelle carbonara or raw cannellonis. For a healthy takeaway option, Ziva to Go sells breakfasts and salads in biodegradable takeaway containers.

23. Manchester, UK

2.9 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Manchester beat out London for its spot in the top 25 thanks to spots like V-Rev, which offers a fully vegan junk food menu, Indian street food at Bundobust and vegan full English breakfasts at Vertigo. Head over to The Allotment for vegan, seasonal fine dining (including a 7 or 10 course taster option).

24. Tallinn, Estonia

2.8 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Tallinn is a high-tech, Old World city with a wealth of vegan restaurants, thanks to the tech developers and digital nomads it attracts. At Vegan Restoran V, you can have a vegan slow food experience and try fusion dishes such as mushroom pate with smoked plum and sauerkraut seed chips or a spicy peanut tempeh burger. Head to Tru Kitchen in north Tallinn for celeriac steak or pasta of the day with vegan panna cotta for dessert, and you can even pay with Bitcoin, Litecoin or Dash.

25. Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2.7 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents

Satisfy your junk food cravings with vegan chicken waffles at Hogtown Vegan or vegan pizza and doughnuts at Apiecalypse Now! Toronto is also home to the largest vegetarian festival in North America, Veg Food Fest, which takes place every year.

Planning a trip but your destination isn’t on this? Lots of cities like Athens and Barcelona didn’t make the list but are still vegan-friendly and I’ve got guides to a growing list of cities (see the vegan travel section of my site).

Want to stay in a vegan hotel on your next trip? Click here to see my guide to the best vegan hotels worldwide.

Find more vegan travel tips here, and learn all about travel as a vegan here.

28 thoughts on “Most Vegan Friendly Cities in the World in 2020”

Thanks for referencing my blog twice here, Caitlin! This is a really nice list, with some surprises I wouldn’t have thought of, like Bangalore and Sao Paulo for example – who knew?! So exciting that more and more places around the world are embracing veganism!

I am surprised that not a lot of Asian cities head the list considering the fact that for a long time, people in Asia stuck to eating a vegan diet. I guess the Western style of food eliminates many of those cities from your list.

Population of just over a quarter of a million, and five dedicated vegan eateries in the city, with loads more offering vegan options! Slovenia’s entire population hovers around the 2 million mark, and practically everywhere you go, you can get a vegan meal. I lived there for a couple of years, and was in my element! Local supermarkets even stock their own ranges of vegan convenience food, plus they import a lot from Germany and Italy.

It’s a similar story in Croatia, and Serbia is getting there too. Even when in Transylvania, I had no problem finding vegan food in the cities! When I returned to Britain a year ago, after years of living around the world I discovered that despite all the progress it’s made during my absence, it’s still a long way behind much of mainland Europe, which is why I wasn’t at all surprised to see London so low on the list!

Lovely to see my friend, Dee’s Chiang Mai guide get a mention – I have many fond memories of us checking out all the local jay eateries!

You have incorrect stats for Berlin–the latest on Happy Cow is 79 all-vegan restaurants, not 26. Thus, Berlin is closer to 6 vegan restaurants per 100 population, which would make it around #5. There are a lot of cities missing–even where I live, San Diego has (including La Jolla, which is listed separately but within city limits) has 22 all-vegan restaurants (so around 1.5 or 1.6 per 100000 population which would put it just below San Francisco). (One unfortunate thing with Happy Cow is that sometimes they split up cities–especially NYC and Melbourne.) I might check others as time permits.

This is a really great list! I’m surprised Berlin and Edinburgh aren’t on it. Berlin has been named the vegan capital of the world (although currently that’s Tel Aviv) and they’re one of the only ciites in the world with not just one but four chains of vegan supermarkets. Edinburgh is also huge. While they might not have as many dedicated vegan restaurants (they have a ton), you’ll be hard pressed to find a restaurant in town that doesn’t have vegan options.

I love both cities for vegan food — I was just in Edinburgh a couple months ago and agree it’s great for vegans! And of course, Berlin is a vegan capital with a ton of vegan places! They didn’t make it because of the numbers. If I was choosing cities based on vegan options in non-vegan restaurants it would be a different list, but I couldn’t work out how to find the numbers for that (there’s no complete list of such restaurants!). So I worked off the number of vegan restaurants by population. And while Berlin has a ton of fully vegan restaurants, based on the population of the city it’s not as high as the other cities that made it on the list. But it’s definitely massively vegan friendly — so are a bunch of other cities that didn’t make the list, like London and NYC! All great spots for vegans :)